Family and friends visiting from out of town?  If your home has turned into the opening scene of Home Alone, with cousins swarming, the pizza guy showing up and not knowing who’s in charge, and a mess you can’t get ahead of, check out our top picks for entertaining your family this holiday break.    

We’re thinking an activity followed by food, or the two combined to maximize the effort of getting everyone ready and out of the house.  It’s like the opposite of les encompetent.  😉

Activity + Lunch/Dinner Combo Ideas

Photo Credit: (left) Chaparral Ice Facebook Page (right) Pho-Natic Facebook Page

— Ice Skating and Pho
Chaparral Ice and PhoNatic (Anderson Lane)
Follow up your family skate session with PhoNatic right next door!  Check here for Chaparral’s open skate times and fill your bellies with PhoNatic goodness after.

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Photo Credit: (left) K1 Speed Austin Facebook Page (right) Joi Facebook Page

—  Go-Karts and Dinner at The Domain 
K1 Speed Austin | 2500 Mc Hale Ct
Kids and adults 48” or taller can race around the track for some friendly competition on go-karts.  Follow it up with dinner at the Domain.  We like the restaurants around the grassy courtyard where kids can play while parents sit at their tables like Joi Asian Bistro, Culinary Dropout, and Taverna.  

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 Book Shopping + Ice Cream 
Half Price Books and Lick Honest Ice Cream
Hit up Half Price Books on S. Lamar and roam their aisles for pre-owned books, records, comics, and more.  Seeing their huge collection of pre-owned goodies is a treasure trove of wonder.  Follow it up with a special seasonal treat like Peppermint Bark at Lick Honest Ice Creams at 1100 S Lamar Boulevard.

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More Ideas

Photo Credit: Bouldin Acres Facebook Page

— Bouldin Acres
Two locations: 1806 W Braker Ln | 2027 S Lamar Blvd
With an awesome food truck (complete with kids’ menu), bar, and lawn games, Bouldin Acres has something for any age.  Pickle Ball is an activity the whole family can enjoy and you can book your court in advance here.  Please note: there is a playground at the South Lamar location.

Photo Credit: Moviehouse & Eatery Facebook Page

— Movie House Eatery
Two Austin Locations here
With two locations in Austin, Movie House Eatery boasts super comfy chairs, excellent service, and pricey – but well worth it – food.  They offer an excellent kids’ menu and half-priced movie tickets every Tuesday.

Kids menu! Photo credit: Alamo Draft House Facebook Page

— Alamo Draft House
Five Austin Locations Here
This Austin movie theater chain offers a dedicated kids’ menu and five Austin locations.  Take the adults for grown-up milkshakes and the kids for one of our favorite grilled cheese sandwiches in Austin.

Photo Credit: Jester King Facebook Page

— Jester King Brewery
13187 Fitzhugh Rd
Fridays through Sundays you can take the family to this special farm and brewery and be entertained for hours.  With walking trails, friendly goats, and a food truck with excellent pizza, Jester King has something special for any age.  Check their menu, map, and hours here.

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Photo Credit: Oasthouse Facebook Page

—  Oasthouse
The location with the playground is at The Trails at 620, 8300 N FM 620
With a gorgeous deck overlooking a massive playground, this locally sourced gastropub will give parents a few moments to enjoy a cocktail while the kids play and await their food. Oasthouse has a huge menu and an $8 kids menu. We give our props to the chef…and the clear view of the monkey bars.

Let us know how you’re entertaining your out-of-town guests in the comments below!  

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